Sea God Pavilion Meeting

Cai Mei'er looked slightly puzzled. "You mean...?"

"Let these two children study in both the Martial Soul Department and the Soul Tool Department, becoming Core Disciples of both departments." Though Mu En's voice was soft, it carried immense weight.

"But there's no precedent for this..." Yan Shaozhe said with a frown, still harboring concerns.

"It is precisely because there is no precedent that they possess the qualities of 'monsters.'" Mu En spoke meaningfully. "If these two children receive full support, they will surely become Shrek Academy's stars of hope in the future."

Upon hearing this, Yan Shaozhe and the others were utterly convinced. "Yes, Elder Mu."

After Fan Yu informed Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao of the news, the weight in their hearts finally lifted, and they both let out sighs of relief.

However, the story behind it all was something Lin Qianyi had never expected. Wang Dong teased from the side, "You two really are hot commodities." Lin Qianyi sighed softly and shook her head. "I never expected things to turn out this way."

Wang Dong waved with a smile. "All right, let's treat this as an early celebration for your successful Soul Tool Department assessment tomorrow." Xiao Xiao chimed in, "That's right. I hope everything goes smoothly for you." Lin Qianyi broke into a smile. "All right, then I'll take your good wishes." At that moment, they felt both a little nervous about the coming assessment and warmed by the sincere blessings they shared.

Over the next two days, Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao's schedules were packed. Their studies in the Martial Soul Department had barely concluded before they seamlessly transitioned into courses at the Soul Tool Department.

Although Lin Qianyi had only been exposed to the Soul Tool Department for a short time, her exceptional intelligence shone like a brilliant star. Whenever Fan Yu explained something in meticulous detail, she was always able to quickly grasp its mysteries, as if the knowledge had long since taken root in her mind.

When it came time for the Soul Tool Promotion Assessment, Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao's cooperation was flawless. They trusted one another completely and worked in perfect sync. Every movement and every operation was precisely timed, without the slightest hesitation. In the end, the two passed the assessment with outstanding all-around performances, earning approving looks from everyone present, who wholeheartedly acknowledged them both.

Back at the dormitory, Wang Dong casually tossed a set of clothes to Huo Yuhao. "Let's go. I already talked it over with Qianyi—we're celebrating the two of you passing the assessment." Lin Qianyi asked from the side, "Aren't we inviting Xiao Xiao?" Wang Dong explained, "I asked her, but she can't come. We can bring her something tasty when we get back!" Huo Yuhao thought it was a good idea as well and agreed, "Sounds good."

The three left Shrek Academy together. Along the way, Wang Dong asked curiously, "You two probably haven't really explored Shrek Academy much, have you? I'll take you to the Treasury Pavilion. There are all kinds of rare treasures there—even soul bones!"

Huo Yuhao said with some concern, "But I don't have any money." Wang Dong waved it off carelessly. "You can buy on credit. Besides, the Academy charges very little interest. They evaluate your credit based on your age and Soul Power." As Wang Dong introduced the place, the three boarded a carriage bound for Shrek City.

Upon arriving at the Treasury Pavilion, Huo Yuhao looked around curiously, his eyes filled with wonder and anticipation. The dazzling array of treasures was all exceedingly rare.

The three went to the counter, filled out their information in turn, and handed it to the staff member. After carefully examining the forms, she said to Wang Dong, "Mr. Wang Dong, following the evaluation, you have been granted a credit limit of one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins.

"To have achieved so much at your age is truly rare." She handed Wang Dong a card. After he accepted it, the staff member's gaze fell on Lin Qianyi, and a flicker of shock passed through her eyes. "You're Lin Qianyi?"

Lin Qianyi nodded gently. The staff member praised, "Miss Lin, you are only around thirteen years old, yet you have already reached above rank forty. Such strength is truly exceptional. At the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, you may take one item at random every year without looking at its price." With that, she took out a card and handed it to Lin Qianyi.

Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao leaned closer. Wang Dong teased with a smile, "Your luck is really good, Qianyi." The staff member then looked at Huo Yuhao, only to find that he received the same treatment as Lin Qianyi. Wang Dong exclaimed in surprise, "You two really hit the jackpot."

At that moment, a calm yet slightly aged female voice rang out. "This decision was arranged by the Academy. As an asset of the Academy, the Treasure Gathering Pavilion follows the Academy's decisions. Watch your mouths and go choose what you need." Lin Qianyi gave a slight bow in respect, and the three then headed inside. The staff member respectfully called out, "Elder Lin." It turned out that this elderly woman was one of Shrek Academy's elders.

After choosing what they needed at the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, only the three of them were on the road as they left. Lin Qianyi clearly sensed that something was wrong with the atmosphere. She made a gesture, and Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao seemed to understand. Wang Dong asked, "What is it?"

Lin Qianyi said, "Something's wrong. Don't draw attention." Huo Yuhao nodded. When they reached the carriage, a black-robed figure entered. His build made it obvious that he was a man, and he seemed to have ill intentions. When the carriage reached a certain distance, the man in black slowly approached, a dagger appearing in his hand as he attacked Lin Qianyi. Lin Qianyi bent down to evade him, then drove her elbow into his abdomen, forcing him back several steps. The three took the opportunity to get out of the carriage.

After carefully selecting what they needed at the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, Lin Qianyi keenly sensed a strange presence in the air as the three began their return journey. She made a subtle gesture, and Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao immediately understood. Wang Dong asked in a low voice, "What is it?" Lin Qianyi replied quietly, "Something's wrong. Don't say anything."

As they approached the carriage, a man dressed in black robes appeared silently. Judging by his somewhat burly frame, he was clearly an adult male. There was a sinister gleam in his eyes, and his manner faintly revealed ill intent.

As the carriage slowly began to move, the man in black suddenly accelerated toward them. A cold glint flashed in his hand as a dagger stabbed straight at Lin Qianyi. At the critical moment, Lin Qianyi swiftly bent low, skillfully evading the fatal strike. At the same time, she sharply raised her right arm and slammed her elbow into his abdomen. The powerful blow forced the man in black back several steps.

Seizing the opening, the three reacted at once and jumped from the carriage without hesitation. Their coordination was seamless, their movements crisp and decisive, without the slightest delay. The air seemed to grow even heavier as an unexpected crisis unfolded...